Substack for Artists: Why Email Still Wins (and How to Make It Not Boring)

Georgina Fiske
May 22
3 min read

Updated: May 25

There is a reason everyone says “the money’s in the list.”

It’s not hype. It’s strategy.

If you’re building a creative career, email is still your most powerful platform.

And if you’re trying to figure out where to put your energy in 2025, Substack should be near the top of the list.

Not because it’s trendy.

Because it’s yours.

And in a world full of shifting algorithms, paid ads, and social fatigue, that matters more than ever.

What Substack Actually Is (and Isn’t)

Substack is an email platform. But more than that, it’s a publishing tool.

You can write posts, build a library, let people subscribe, offer paid content, or keep it free.

You can write weekly, monthly, or whenever it feels right.

It’s not about writing like a journalist or becoming a blogger.

It’s about creating a space that lets your fans hear from you, directly and consistently.

Substack lets you:

Own your email list
Share updates without fighting an algorithm
Speak in your voice, without platform rules
Build a real sense of community with people who’ve chosen to listen

Why Artists Should Use It

If you’ve ever said, “I’m not great at socials,” or “I just want to be more myself online,” Substack might be exactly what you’re looking for.

It’s low-pressure and high-trust.

It doesn’t require daily posting.

You can keep it simple, write when you want, and speak in a way that feels like a conversation, not a pitch.

And unlike social platforms, you own your audience.

No one can throttle your reach, shadowban your account, or disappear your posts overnight.

That’s a big deal if you’re trying to build a long-term career.

But What Do You Even Write?

This is where most people get stuck. The good news? You don’t need to be a “writer” to use Substack.

You just need to show up with something real.

Ideas for artist-friendly Substack posts:

The story behind a new song
A breakdown of your release process
Thoughts on creativity, burnout, or finding your sound
A list of what you’re loving right now (books, gear, playlists)
Journal-style reflections on your latest gig or tour

The key is to write like you talk.

Treat it like a letter to your inner circle.

It doesn’t have to be perfect — just personal.

How It’s Different From a Mailing List

Substack is a kind of mailing list. But it’s also a platform that builds audience loyalty, not just reach.

Traditional email campaigns are often promotional.

Substack is relational.

You’re not just saying “Hey, buy tickets.”

You’re saying, “Here’s what I’m thinking about this week.”

Or “Here’s what this release means to me.”

You still promote things.

You just do it through trust, not tactics.

Questions You Might Have After Reading This

Q1: I don’t know if anyone cares enough to read what I write.

You’d be surprised. Fans want more than updates. They want context. They want the behind-the-scenes. When you write honestly, it doesn’t need to be long to be powerful.

Q2: What if I’m already using Mailchimp or another email platform?

Substack can work alongside your main list, or you can migrate. It depends on whether you want a regular newsletter vibe or something more personal and community-based.

Q3: Can I actually make money from Substack?

Yes — but not overnight. You can turn on paid subscriptions when it makes sense, or offer exclusive content as a bonus. Just start free and grow from there.